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Hamilton was born in Swindon, England. He was educated at Coundon Court School in Coventry, and played for Barkers Butts R.F.C, whilst there he was part of the Warwickshire Colts side before joining Leicester Tigers. He also spent a summer playing in New Zealand in order to advance his potential.

Hamilton played for England at under-21 level but decided to opt for senior honours with Scotland. He was the 1000th man to be capped by Scotland when he made an appearance off the bench against Romania on 11 November 2006. He gained his second cap off the bench against Australia when called up at the last minute for Nathan Hines, over confusion over whether or not Hines was suspended. He was included in the 2007 World Cup squad making several appearances during the group stages. Hamilton scored his first international try for Scotland on 19 June 2010, in Scotland's victory over Argentina.[1]

In 2008 Hamilton signed a three-year contract with Edinburgh Rugby. Hamilton moved to Gloucester for the 2010–11 season.[2]

He was appointed captain of Gloucester Rugby for the 2012–13 season under their coach Nigel Davies.[3]

On 12 December 2012, it was announced Hamilton would leave Gloucester at the end of the season to join French club Montpellier on a three-year contract.[4] On 28 May 2014, it was announced that Hamilton would leave Montpellier to return to England to join Saracens.[5]

On 2 September 2015, Hamilton announced his retirement from international rugby after Vern Cotter had not selected him for Scotland's World Cup squad[6]

In August 2016, Hamilton co-founded a sports marketing company with Ian Ascough called Those Fellas.[7]

On the 13 May 2017, Hamilton announced that he would not play rugby beyond the end of the 2016–2017 season.[8]